Greetings,
When the calendar turns to August, I begin getting excited about our students and staff returning to school. The summer is a much-needed time for our students to enjoy long, lazy days, and our staff to have the necessary time to recharge and prepare for the year to come. However, there is nothing quite like the buzz in a building as happy faces return to the hallways during the first weeks of each school year. We are almost there, and I can’t wait!
It is undeniable that the last couple of years have been anything but ordinary for all of us. The effects of the pandemic have been, and continue to be felt. The lessons we all have learned are numerous. Among them, the need to care for the whole child, not only the academic, but the social, physical, and emotional well-being of our students has been highlighted. Through the last several budget cycles, we have expanded our mental health and counseling supports, enhanced class offerings, academic support structures and coaches, added behavioral interventionists, and provided staff with world class professional development opportunities in our commitment to meeting the needs of our students.
For Convocation, our annual event on the first day of teacher work week at the end of August, this year, our theme was Hanover Strong, a celebration of the strength, resilience, and partnership that ensure that our Tradition of Excellence continues to be a pillar of our community. This has been on full display over the past two-plus years and we look forward to continuing to highlight this proud tradition. As we welcome another school year, I invite you to partner with us in the important work of supporting our learners, educators, and staff.
Whether it is contributing input to our Comprehensive Plan, volunteering at one of our schools, or simply attending one of the hundreds of events held on our campuses, we invite you to partner with us this year. We are a reflection of our wonderful community, and together we remain Hanover Strong!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful school year. Have a great first day of school!
In education,
Michael B. Gill, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools